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Step 1: Set the scene
I did the Google image search and it was very upsetting to see the images of children working in
cobalt mines in the DRC. They look so young and vulnerable, and it's heartbreaking to think of them
being exploited in this way.
Step 2: Answer the questions
Which is the most likely utilitarian option in the multiple choice question above?
The most likely utilitarian option is C: This is just a fact of global supply chains and necessary for
global economic growth, which is in everyone’s best interest.
This is because utilitarianism is a philosophy that judges the morality of an action based on its
consequences. In this case, the consequence of banning the use of cobalt mined by child labor would
be a decrease in global economic growth. This would have a negative impact on many people,
including those who rely on cobalt for their livelihoods.
Why do you say this? You MUST state your premises for concluding this explicitly as we
taught you in the section A DARN GOOD ARGUMENT. If you do not do this, you will fail this
part of the assignment.
Here are my premises for concluding that C is the most likely utilitarian option:
Cobalt is a vital mineral that is used in many products, including smartphones, laptops, and
electric vehicles.
The DRC is the world's leading producer of cobalt.
A significant amount of cobalt mined in the DRC is mined by child labor.
Banning the use of cobalt mined by child labor would decrease the supply of cobalt, which
would lead to an increase in the price of cobalt.
An increase in the price of cobalt would have a negative impact on many industries,
including the electronics industry, the automotive industry, and the energy industry.
These industries employ millions of people around the world.
A decrease in economic activity in these industries would lead to job losses and a decrease
in GDP.
This would have a negative impact on many people, including those who rely on these
industries for their livelihoods.
What do you feel about this option?
I feel conflicted about this option. On the one hand, I believe that child labor is wrong and should be
stopped. On the other hand, I also believe that economic growth is important for improving the lives
of people around the world.
Step 1: Set the scene
I did the Google image search and it was very upsetting to see the images of children working in
cobalt mines in the DRC. They look so young and vulnerable, and it's heartbreaking to think of them
being exploited in this way.
Step 2: Answer the questions
Which is the most likely utilitarian option in the multiple choice question above?
The most likely utilitarian option is C: This is just a fact of global supply chains and necessary for
global economic growth, which is in everyone’s best interest.
This is because utilitarianism is a philosophy that judges the morality of an action based on its
consequences. In this case, the consequence of banning the use of cobalt mined by child labor would
be a decrease in global economic growth. This would have a negative impact on many people,
including those who rely on cobalt for their livelihoods.
Why do you say this? You MUST state your premises for concluding this explicitly as we
taught you in the section A DARN GOOD ARGUMENT. If you do not do this, you will fail this
part of the assignment.
Here are my premises for concluding that C is the most likely utilitarian option:
Cobalt is a vital mineral that is used in many products, including smartphones, laptops, and
electric vehicles.
The DRC is the world's leading producer of cobalt.
A significant amount of cobalt mined in the DRC is mined by child labor.
Banning the use of cobalt mined by child labor would decrease the supply of cobalt, which
would lead to an increase in the price of cobalt.
An increase in the price of cobalt would have a negative impact on many industries,
including the electronics industry, the automotive industry, and the energy industry.
These industries employ millions of people around the world.
A decrease in economic activity in these industries would lead to job losses and a decrease
in GDP.
This would have a negative impact on many people, including those who rely on these
industries for their livelihoods.
What do you feel about this option?
I feel conflicted about this option. On the one hand, I believe that child labor is wrong and should be
stopped. On the other hand, I also believe that economic growth is important for improving the lives
of people around the world.
